Green light for school proposal

Plans to build a new teaching block at Todmorden High School have taken a step forward after planning permission was granted last week.

Todmorden ward councillor Susan Press said the news was welcomed by her and fellow ward councillors Jayne Booth and Steve Sweeney.

She said: “We’re really pleased that planning permission has been granted – it’s another hurdle out of the way. Todmorden High School is desperate for investment in better teaching facilities, and our young people need and deserve this.

“We are delighted that the council has backed this investment.”

Labour schools spokesperson, councillor Megan Swift added: “We all know that ideally, Todmorden High School should be rebuilt. It’s what Labour intended to happen under the national Building Schools for the Future Scheme.

“We were let down when the Liberal Democrat–Conservative coalition scrapped the scheme, and although various Conservatives have promised a replacement school, the Conservative Government has let us down again. I’m pleased that locally our council has made it one of our priorities to start work at Todmorden, and this new teaching block will represent a significant improvement for the school and for students.”